One of the single most important intellectual skills central to an undergraduate education is the ability to deal with arguments. In fact, in one way or another, almost everything you study as an undergraduate is connected with this task. While the subject matter will vary from one course to another, in almost all disciplines the major purpose of study is to develop students' ability to read, understand, evaluate, and construct arguments, written and oral.

The following sections form a basic introduction to some of the more important elements in the analysis and construction of arguments. The discussion begins with some very basic ideas and moves on quickly to a few points essential for effective written or spoken argumentation. The sections are structured so as to encourage students to develop skills which will make their arguments, especially their written presentations in essays or reports, more persuasive and which will improve their ability to analyze arguments.